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This summit brings together healthcare providers, community leaders, patients, survivors, and advocates to strengthen colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention, screening, and care across our region.
This gathering is designed to spark meaningful collaboration and inspire practical solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of Western North Carolina residents. We know that regular screening can decrease both the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. However, significant disparities exist in screening utilization, and these differences impact colon cancer outcomes. Barriers to screening for some in our community include lack of insurance, no regular primary care, low-income status, limited awareness of screening, language or cultural factors, distrust in the medical system, and lack of transportation resources. This highlights the need for renewed focus and collective action.
This summit creates a space to share experiences, learn from one another, and highlight what's working across health systems and communities. By elevating the voices of patients, clinicians, researchers, and community partners, we can better understand challenges and identify opportunities for progress. In partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS)-a trusted leader in cancer education and advocacy-this effort brings together hospitals, safety-net clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and community organizations with a shared goal: to increase screening, support early detection, and improve access to timely, high-quality care. Together, we can move from awareness to action—building stronger partnerships, sharing innovative approaches, and improving outcomes for individuals and families affected by colorectal cancer across Western North Carolina.
| 5:00 PM - 5:40 PM | Registration, Dinner, Networking |
| 5:40 PM - 5:50 PM | Welcome and American Cancer Society Updates | Megan Craig, MHA, MBA |
| 5:50 PM - 6:25 PM | The landscape of CRC and early-onset CRC in the Southeast | Molly Black, MPH |
| 6:25 PM - 6:45 PM | Understanding Colorectal Cancer Screening in North Carolina: Disparities, Barriers, and Opportunities for Change | Becca Bosch, MPH |
| 6:45 PM -7:00 PM | Increasing CRC Screening Access in Western North Carolina | Mike Newcomer, MD |
| 7:00 PM -7:30 PM | Strategies to Improve Screening | Kathy Hurt; Jennifer Park MPH, CHES; Ashley Bland, LPN |
| 7:30 PM -7:45 PM | Break/dessert |
| 7:45 PM - 8:25 PM | Life Beyond Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Survivorship Panel | Martin Palmeri, MD, MBA, FASCO (moderator); Joe Green; JJ Singleton |
| 8:25 PM | Closing | Ateya Wilson, MS |

MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, Nurses, Navigators, Community Organizations Advocating and Supporting CRC Patients
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Identify current gaps and barriers in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, diagnosis, and care across Western North Carolina, including factors impacting patient access and outcomes |
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Apply evidence-based strategies to increase CRC screening rates, support early detection, and improve care coordination within diverse healthcare and community settings |
You may need to click on the session name to see the credits offered for that particular session.
The Mountain Area Health Education Center designates this entire live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 0.30 CEUs as established by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit.
MAHEC designates this live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 3.00 Contact Hours.
Accreditation: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Southern States CME Collaborative (SSCC) through the joint providership of Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) and American Cancer Society. MAHEC is accredited by the SSCC to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation: MAHEC designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Mountain Area Health Education Center designates this entire live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 0.30 CEUs as established by the National Task Force on the Continuing Education Unit.
MAHEC designates this live continuing education activity as meeting the criteria for 3.00 Contact Hours.
Accreditation: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Southern States CME Collaborative (SSCC) through the joint providership of Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) and American Cancer Society. MAHEC is accredited by the SSCC to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation: MAHEC designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
11/12 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
11/12 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
MAHEC has a pay-up-front policy for all CE programs. The only exceptions will be for pre-approved programs where an individual payment plan is appropriate. Registrations received without accompanying payment will not be processed and participants who have not paid the course fee will not be admitted into the program.
Unless otherwise noted in course materials, the following cancellation policy applies to all programs: